March 22, 2024

PLAYDATE SURPRISE, a companion book to I CAN, TOO! will be published by SCHOLASTIC CANADA on September 3, 2024. This picture book about inclusion, accessiblity, and friendship for children ages 3-7 is illustrated by Laura Watson. PLAYDATE SURPRISE is a joyful story of friendship and the simple things we can do to make the world a more accessible place!

September 22-24, 2023

Wine Country Writers’ Festival - Presenting “Creating Well-Rounded Characters with Disabilities” workshop and co-presenting “FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION: Writing Books Kids and Teens want to Read” with author Lorna Schultz Nicholson 

September 16, 2023

I CAN, TOO! WINNER, The Word Awards - Books, General Market Fiction, Children, 2023 The Word Awards Winners

September 9, 2023

ArtWalk: Art and Story Bound Together - Storytelling sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at George Elliot Secondary library, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC 

June 20, 2023

I CAN, TOO! shortlisted for two 2022 Word Awards in the categories BOOKS – GENERAL MARKET FICTION: CHILDREN - FICTION and SPECIALTY AWARDS: DEBRA FIEGUTH SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD. The Word Awards Shortlist

March 15, 2023

I CAN, TOO! chosen for the first CBC KIDS READS

February 2, 2023

I CAN, TOO! named an Ontario Library Association’s OLA Best Bets Top Ten Canadian picture book titles published in 2022

I CAN, TOO! selected one of the Top Recommended Reads for the 2023 TD Summer Reading Club

November 29, 2022

Virtual I CAN, TOO! Book Launch and Panel Discussion about Inclusion and Disabilities in Picture Books with authors Karen Autio, Lana Button, Heather M. O’Connor, Lorna Schultz Nicholson, and Kelly Fritsch 7-8 pm ET | 4-5 pm PT 

November 26, 2022

Vendor Table and Book Signing at Touch of Christmas in New Life Centre, 2041 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna – a charity fundraiser hosted by Hands in Service , 9:30 am–3:30 pm  

November 20, 2022

Book Signing at Mosaic Books, 411 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna 1–3 pm  

November 13, 2022

Vendor Table and Book Signing at Christmas in the Country at the East Kelowna Market, 2704 East Kelowna Road, Kelowna (East Kelowna Community Hall), 10 am–3 pm  

November 12, 2022

Vendor Table and Book Signing at Immaculata Christmas Craft Fair at Immaculata Regional High School, 1493 K. L. O. Road, Kelowna – a fundraiser for the school’s Fine Arts department, 10 am–4 pm  

October 23, 2022

Book Launch of I CAN, TOO!, Moi aussi, je peux! and LUNA with Readings and Book Signing in-person with Loraine Kemp at Mission Branch Library Capital News Centre, 4105 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, 1:00 p.m. 

June 7, 2022

Moi aussi, je peux! (the French translation of I CAN, TOO!) will be published by Éditions Scholastic on October 4, 2022. This picture book about disabilities, inclusion and friendship for children ages 3-7 is illustrated by Laura Watson. Léane et Emma adorent bouger. Elles font du vélo, du patin à glace, dévalent des montagnes et plus encore, chacune à leur façon. Alors que Léane pédale sur son tricycle, Emma utilise ses mains pour faire avancer le sien. Pendant qu’Emma se promène sur la glace dans une luge, Léane l’accompagne avec ses patins. Jouez avec Léane et Emma, explorez leur monde et faites-vous de nouveaux amis!

December 1, 2021

I CAN, TOO! published by SCHOLASTIC CANADA on October 4, 2022. This picture book about disabilities, inclusion and friendship for children ages 3-7 is illustrated by Laura Watson. Piper and Kayla love to move. They ride bikes, glide on ice, swoosh down mountains and much more – each in her own way. While Piper pedals her tricycle with her feet, Kayla uses her hands to move her trike forward. While Kayla coasts across the ice on a sled, Piper sails along on skates. Join Kayla and Piper as they play together, explore their world and make new friends.

October 2, 2021

Book signing of MAKING SEAKER at Mosaic Books, 411 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 1-3 p.m. 

September 23, 2021

Book Launch of MAKING SEAKER with Reading and Book Signing in-person and virtual via Facebook Live Event at Entershine Bookshop, 196 Algoma Street S., Thunder Bay, ON, 7:00 p.m. 

September 22, 2019

National Science Reading Day In-Person Author Talk and Book Signing for MAKING SEAKER at Edge Arts Building, 38 Front Street, Nipigon, ON, hosted by the Nipigon Public Library in Nipigon, ON, 6:30 p.m. 

August 31, 2021

MAKING SEAKER Middle Grade STEM novel released by CRWTH PRESS is now available through your favourite bookseller! ISBN 978-1989724095-1. Moving to a new town is tough, especially when you’re different. And Jamie’s not like most girls. She loves science and math and building things. But Jamie’s determined to have a future with friends. And she’s fascinated by the story of PADDLE-TO-THE-SEA, a fictional canoe trip that began north of the town. Jamie decides to build a trackable boat to recreate the journey of Paddle. She starts researching the tech she’ll need and searching for the best design for the boat. When she tells her class about the project, Raina offers to help. Jamie is over-the-moon excited to have another girl to geek out with. But the project is fraught with complications—so is the friendship. And Jamie’s not sure she can salvage any of it.

August 14, 2021

How We Tell Stories Come join the virtual community conversation! In collaboration with the 2021 Ryga Festival, Summerland Museum is hosting this panel discussion. Karen is one of the panelists on Saturday, August 14, 3-5 p.m. Pacific. With diverse, multi-disciplinary guest artists sharing their experiences, and space for all to participate, we’ll enjoy a rich exploration about how we send and receive stories, and why the way we share is so connected to why we share. 

October 1, 2020

KAH-LAN AND THE STINK-INK released by CRWTH PRESS and now available for purchase in a bookstore near you! ISBN 978-1-989724-07-1. This adventure chapter book illustrated by Emma Pedersen is told from the point of view of a wild BC sea otter.

September 24, 2020

Virtual Book Talk ALL ABOUT OTTERS hosted by the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Emma Pedersen (illustrator) joined Karen to present and answer questions about KAH-LAN AND THE STINK-INK.

September 22, 2020

Virtual book launch for KAH-LAN AND THE STINK-INK hosted by the Vancouver Aquarium. Karen, illustrator Emma Pedersen, and Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Manager Lindsaye Akhurst presented this child-friendly event to celebrate sea otters and Kah-Lan's new story during Sea Otter Awareness Week.

November 19, 2019

Writing Workshop based on GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON for ages 10 and 11 at Mission branch of Okanagan Regional Library in Kelowna, 3:30-4:30 p.m. 

July 10, 2019

MAKING SEAKER to be published by CRWTH PRESS Fall 2021. This book is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) novel for children ages 8-11, especially girls, who have out-of-the-ordinary interests and long to both fit in and follow their passions. New to town, ten-year-old Jamie’s interests lead her to discovery, problem solving, and creative thinking, but will they lead to friendship?

June 14, 2019

GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON was a finalist for the 2019 Word Award in the category Books – Specialty.

May 10-12, 2019

Word on the Lake Writers' Festival Reading in Café Lit, Blue Pencil sessions, and presenting the “Finding, Hiring, and Working with a Freelance Editor” workshop on behalf of Editors BC at Prestige Harbourfront Resort, 251 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm, BC. 

April 26 & 27, 2019

BC Christian Home Education Convention Author and Illustrator Book Booth 905 Badke Road, Kelowna, BC, all day. 

April 13, 2019

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Bookland, 100 3400 30 Avenue, Vernon, BC, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

March 26, 2019

Presentation titled GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON: An Author-Illustrator Collaboration at Penticton Museum Brown Bag Lecture Series, 785 Main Street, Penticton, BC, noon to 1 p.m. 

March 9, 2019

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Coles, Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, 2111 Main St., Penticton, BC, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

February 16, 2019

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Indigo Kelowna, Orchard Park, 2271 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

December 1, 2018

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Touch of Christmas Fair, 2041 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

November 19, 2018

Book signing and presentation of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Summerland Museum, 9521 Wharton St., Summerland, BC, 6:30 p.m. 

November 17, 2018

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Glenmore Elementary Christmas Artisan Fair, 960 Glenmore Drive, Kelowna, BC, 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

November 5-30, 2018

Okanagan Valley GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON Book Tour Part One with author-illustrator visits to schools in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Osoyoos, and Oliver. 

November 3, 2018

Book signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Mosaic Books, 411 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

October 24, 2018

West Kelowna Launch and Book Signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON in the Westbank Library, #31 - 2484 Main Street (Hwy 97 S): 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Free event includes an author-illustrator presentation at 1 p.m. and refreshments! Autographed copies available for purchase. Westbank Library will invite classes from local elementary schools to attend and the public is also welcome.

October 20, 2018

Kelowna Launch and Book Signing of GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON in the Great Room (upstairs) at the Kelowna Library, 1380 Ellis Street: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Free event includes door prizes, activities for kids, a short author-illustrator presentation, and refreshments! Autographed copies available for purchase. Contest for schools! A free author-illustrator presentation for the school with the most students at the event.

October 15, 2018

GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON explores Okanagan history by focusing on Wild Horse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park (south of Kelowna, BC) and its vicinity. This narrative nonfiction picture book, with text by Karen Autio and illustrated by Loraine Kemp, includes natural and social history. A young syilx/Okanagan man on a quest … horses wild and tamed … fur brigades with their French-Canadian and Okanagan wranglers … secret Second World War commando training: all are linked to the canyon and area. Written and designed for young readers and for adults with reading challenges, this history of place will be of interest far beyond the Okanagan Valley. Order from Crwth Press

October 1, 2018

Join Karen Autio and Loraine Kemp at the launch of Crwth Press! Celebrate the first season of books, including our picture book GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON. 7:00 p.m. Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St., Victoria, BC 

September 29, 2018

Karen Autio and Loraine Kemp will be presenting about GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON at Kelowna Culture Days 10:25 a.m. at Rotary Centre for the Arts and 2:25 p.m. at Kelowna Library

May 26, 2018

KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER was the featured book at BOOK BLASTERS, the parent & Kindergarten youth bookclub at Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art. Karen attended to discuss KAH-LAN with the bookclub group.

January 27, 2018

KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER is now featured on a Reading Lights plaque installed in Creekside Park near Science World in Vancouver, BC. Reading Lights is a collaboration between Vancouver Public Library and the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of B.C. Society to celebrate those behind B.C. children’s books and to inspire the love of reading.

November 4 & 25, 2017

On these two Saturday mornings, Karen taught a Continuing Studies writing course at Okanagan College (Kelowna Campus) called: Keys to Creating Books Children Want to Read. To register in the next offering of this course click here

October 2-6, 2017

Okanagan Regional Library Author Tour Karen presented to students at the following branches: Vernon, Lake Country, Rutland, Osoyoos, Kaleden, and Keremeos.

May 12, 2017

Karen was named a finalist for the Okanagan Arts Award for Literature in Kelowna, BC.

January 17, 2017

Karen was one of the award-winning CWILL members celebrated at the Vancouver Children's Literature Round Table event in Vancouver, BC.

July 3, 2016

BC Youth Writers’ Camp Karen presented the keynote address, in Penticton, BC.

June 24, 2016

KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER won the 2016 Word Award in the category Novel – Children!

May 7-14, 2016

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2016 Karen toured in Ontario, specifically from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie and points in between (including Webbwood, Blind River, Thessalon, Richard's Landing, and more).

May 6-7, 2016

Reading Town Canada 2016 Karen gave two Reading Town presentations for the National Reading Campaign's event. Reading Town Sudbury

May 2, 2016

KAH-LAN shortlisted for the 2016 Word Awards in the category Novel – Children!

April 29-30, 2016

BC Christian Home Educators’ Convention Author booth in Kelowna, BC, all day.

January 24, 2016

KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER nominated for the Green Earth Book Award for children’s fiction.

January 21, 2016

Kah-Lan Student Activity Guide:  Colour   B&W is available.

November 28, 2015

Book signing of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at Touch of Christmas, at New Life Church, 2041 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

November 2-5, 2015

KAH-LAN Book Tour: School and library presentations in Nipigon, Red Rock and Thunder Bay, Ontario

October 17, 2015

Book signing of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at Mosaic Books, 411 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. 

October 10, 2015

Book signing of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at Hooked on Books, 225 Main Street, Penticton, BC, at the Penticton Market, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 3, 2015

Kelowna Launch of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at the Kelowna Library, 1380 Ellis Street: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free event includes a kids' craft, puzzles, colouring for all ages, a short reading, Q&A, and sea snacks! Autographed copies are available for purchase by cash or cheque. Contest for students! A free author presentation for the school or homeschool co-op with the most students attending the event. Door prize for teachers! Draw for a reading circle set of 6 copies of KAH-LAN for teachers who attend, donated by Sono Nis press.

September 27, 2015

Book signing of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at the First Book Canada booth at WORD Vancouver, Library Square 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

September 26, 2015

Vancouver Launch of KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER at the Vancouver Aquarium: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week, Science Literacy Week and the launch of Karen’s new book! KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER is a chapter book for ages 7–12 illustrated by Sheena Lott. Event includes a reading, Q&A, and book signing.

September 2015

KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER is Karen Autio’s first chapter book. This west coast adventure tale is written from the point of view of a young sea otter and is illustrated by Sheena Lott.